LSU Set For Classic Matchup With Notre Dame in Music City BowlLSU will play in a bowl game for the 15th straight year on Dec. 30 when the 23rd-ranked Tigers face Notre Dame in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn. Kickoff between the Tigers and Irish is set for 2:02 p.m. CT from LP Field (67,000) – home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans. LSU will be making its first trip to the Music City Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with Mark Jones (pxp), Rod Gilmore (analyst) and Jessica Mendoza (sideline) on the call. LSU brings an 8-4 overall mark into the contest as the Tigers are coming off a 23-17 win over Texas A&M in the regular-season finale on Nov. 27. LSU has won at least 8 games in a season for 15 straight years dating back to 2000, which is the longest such streak by any Power 5 conference team. LSU goes into a bowl game coming off a win for the seventh time in 10 years under head coach Les Miles. Notre Dame has dropped four straight and stands at 7-5 overall. It's the first meeting between LSU and Notre Dame since a 41-14 Tiger victory in the 2007 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. LSU goes into the Music City Bowl with one of the top defenses in the country as the Tigers led the rugged SEC in total defense (305.8), No. 2 in scoring defense (16.4) and No. 2 in pass defense (162.3). LSU is allowing only 143.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 7 in the league. Offensively, the Tigers are averaging 27.6 points and 383.4 total yards a contest (219.5 rushing, 163.9 passing). QB Anthony Jennings has started 11 of 12 games this year, completing 104-of-213 passes for 1,460 yards, 10 TDs and 7 interceptions. True freshman RB Leonard Fournette leads the Tigers with 891 rushing yards and 8 TDs. He's followed by senior Terrence Magee (545 yards, 3 TDs) and senior Kenny Hilliard (431 yards, 6 TDs). Sophomore Travin Dural leads LSU with 37 receptions for 758 yards and 7 TDs. Defensively, junior LB Kwon Alexander leads the team with 71 tackles, followed by sophomore LB Kendell Beckwith (68 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks), senior S Ronald Martin (66 tackles, 2 ints.) and junior DE Danielle Hunter (64 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks). Junior P Jamie Keehn ranks No. 2 in the SEC in punting with an average of 45.0 on 68 punts.

STORYLINES

Les Miles has led LSU to seven 10-plus win seasons during his 10 years at LSU. He's the second-winningest coach in school history with 103 victories.

LSU is 45-2 against non-conference opponents under Les Miles (since 2005). LSU's only 2 losses during that span came to Penn State in the 2010 Capital One Bowl and Clemson in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Since Kendell Beckwith took over as the starting MLB in game 7 vs. Florida, LSU's defense is allowing 273.8 yards per game (102.7 rushing, 171.2 passing) and 15.2 points a contest.

LSU's defense gave up 8 touchdowns in regulation over the last 6 games of the season. Of those 8 TDs, only 3 came on drives of 75 yards or more.

In 71 possessions by the opponent since start of Florida game, LSU's defense has prevented points on 55 of the 71. (77.5 pct.). Of the 71 drives, 39 ended in punts, 6 on turnovers, 4 on downs, 5 at end of half, and 1 on a missed field goal. The other 16 resulted in 9 touchdowns and 7 field goals.

LSU QB Anthony Jennings is 9-3 as a starter. Jennings was 1-0 as a true freshman in 2013, and he's 8-3 this year. Jennings has also directed LSU to four fourth-quarter comebacks during his brief career at LSU.

LSU is 46-4 under Miles when having a running back rush for 100 yards in a game. Leonard Fournette was latest to do it with 146 yards in a 23-17 win over Texas A&M. LSU has won 14 straight games (6 in 2014) when a running back reaches 100 yards in a game.

With the win over Ole Miss on Oct. 25, LSU has won 24 games in which it trailed in the fourth quarter under Les Miles. LSU is 24-24 under Miles when trailing in the fourth quarter. Of the 24 wins, 16 have come against Top 25 teams.

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 30 at 2:02 p.m. CT Location: Nashville, Tenn. – LP Field (67,000) Television: ESPN/www.WatchESPN.comRadio: LSU Sports Radio Network - 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge Sirius Satellite Radio - ch. 83; XM Radio – ch. 83Series Record: Tied 5-5Series Notes: LSU and Notre Dame play for the 11th time when the teams meet on Dec. 30 in the Music City Bowl in Nashville … The teams last met on Jan. 3, 2007 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans … LSU won that game 41-14 to tie the series at 5-5 … LSU-Notre Dame series dates back to 1970 when the second-ranked Irish posted a 3-0 win over sixth-ranked LSU in South Bend … A year later, the 14th-ranked Tigers evened the score with a 28-8 victory over seventh-ranked Notre Dame in Baton Rouge in a game televised to a national audience by ABC … The 2007 Sugar Bowl matchup was the first meeting between the teams since 1998 when the Irish held off the Tigers, 39-36, in South Bend … It will also mark the third time the teams have played in a bowl game … The first time the teams met in a bowl contest came in the 1997 Independence Bowl when LSU beat Notre Dame, 27-9, in a re-match from a game played a month earlier in Baton Rouge … LSU is 2-2 vs. Notre Dame in games played in Baton Rouge, 1-3 against the Irish in games played in South Bend and 2-0 in games played at a neutral site ... Les Miles is 1-0 against the Fighting Irish in his career.

NOTEBOOK

LSU Makes Its 46th Bowl AppearanceLSU will be making its 46th bowl appearance when the Tigers lineup against Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl. The 46 bowl appearances ranks eighth nationally and fourth in the SEC behind Alabama (62), Tennessee (50), and Georgia (50). LSU is 23-21-1 all-time in bowl games, which includes a 6-3 record under Les Miles.

Tigers Have Won 23 Bowl GamesLSU goes into the Music City Bowl with 23 bowl victories to its credit. The 23 bowl wins is tied for ninth all-time. LSU coach Les Miles is 6-3 in bowl games which makes him the second-winningest coach in school history in terms of bowl victories. Charles McClendon, who coached the Tigers for 18 years, won seven bowl games in 13 tries from 1962-79.

Tigers Making School-Record 15th Straight Bowl AppearanceLSU will be making its school-record 15th consecutive appearance in a bowl game when the Tigers face Notre Dame. The 15 straight bowl appearances by the Tigers ranks as the nation's fifth-longest active streak. Virginia Tech leads the way with 22, followed by Georgia Tech and Georgia (18), Oklahoma (16) and LSU (15).

Tigers Are 11-4 In Neutral Sites Games Under Miles; 13 of 15 Neutral Games Played In Domed StadiumsLSU goes into the Notre Dame with an 11-4 neutral site record under Les Miles. The Tigers have won three straight neutral site games, which includes a 28-24 win over Wisconsin in Houston, Texas (NRG Stadium) in this year's season-opener. Of the 15 neutral site games LSU has played under Miles, only two have come outdoors – 2010 Capital One Bowl vs. Penn State (lost, 19-17); 2014 Outback Bowl vs. Iowa (won, 21-14). The Notre Dame contest will be the third neutral site game played outdoors for LSU under Miles. LSU has outscored its opponents 451-293 in the 15 games, and the Tigers have scored 40 or more points five times and 30 or more points nine times.

LSU Pushes Streak to 15 Consecutive Seasons of 8 Wins or MoreWith a victory over Texas A&M, LSU has won at least eight games for a school-record 15 consecutive years. The 15 years with at least eight wins is second nationally behind Boise State's 16 straight seasons. LSU's streak of season with at least eight wins dates back to 2000 when first-year coach Nick Saban led the Tigers to an 8-4 record, which was capped with a 28-14 victory over Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl. LSU has won at least eight games in 10 seasons under Les Miles, and the Tigers have finished with 10 wins or more in seven of 10 seasons.

A Rarity: Music City Bowl Is Only The Seventh Game LSU Has Played On A TuesdayIt will be the seventh time LSU has played a game on a Tuesday when the Tigers take on Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl On Dec. 30. LSU is 3-3 all-time in Tuesday games. The last time LSU played on a Tuesday was Jan. 1, 2002 when the Tigers beat Illinois in the Sugar Bowl 47-34. Tuesday ranks as the rarest gameday for the Tigers. Sunday is second with 14, followed by Wednesday with 15.

Youth Movement: True Freshmen Have Scored 19 of 39 Offensive TouchdownsThrough 12 games this season LSU's underclassmen on offense have led the Tigers in scoring. True freshmen have scored 19 of the team's 37 offensive touchdowns led by RB Leonard Fournette (8 rushing TDs), WR Malachi Dupre (5 receiving TDs), QB Brandon Harris (3 rushing) and RB Darrel Williams (3 rushing). Even more impressive is that 28 of LSU's 39 offensive touchdowns have been scored by freshmen or sophomores with So. WR Travin Dural hauling in 7 TD receptions and redshirt freshman WR John Diarse with 2 TD receptions.The most touchdowns scored by true freshmen in a season at LSU is 26 in 1982 when RB Dalton Hilliard scored 16, RB Garry James posted 9 and QB Jeff Wickersham had 1.

Leonard Fournette Gains Most Rushing Yards in a Game by an LSU True Freshman Since 2003LSU running back Leonard Fournette had a breakout game at Florida on Oct. 11 to earn SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors. In his first career start, Fournette rushed for a career-best 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 27 carries to help LSU beat Florida, 30-27. His 140 rushing yards were the most by an LSU true freshman since 2003 when Justin Vincent ran for 201 yards in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. Fournette's 27 carries were the most by an LSU true freshman since Jeremy Hill had 29 (for 107 yards) versus Alabama on Nov. 3, 2012. Fournette topped his season high with 146 rushing yards at Texas A&M in the regular-season finale. He sits in third place for most rushing yards in a season by an LSU freshman, and he needs 111 yards in the Music City Bowl against Notre Dame to surpass Justin Vincent for first.LSU Freshman Rushing Yards In A Season Top 10Player Year Yards1. Justin Vincent 2003 1,0012. Dalton Hilliard 1982 9013. Leonard Fournette 2014 8914. Kevin Faulk 1995 8525. Jeremy Hill 2012 755 6. Garry James 1982 7107. Harvey Williams 1986 7008. LaBrandon Toefield (RS) 2000 6829. Rondell Mealey (RS) 1996 60310. Kendall Cleveland (RS) 1995 562

Miles Third Quickest To Reach 100 Wins in SEC HistoryThere have been 18 coaches to win 100 games at an SEC institution in the history of the league. LSU coach Les Miles was the latest to join that list, winning No. 100 on Oct. 11 against Florida in Gainesville. Miles needed just 126 games to reach 100 wins, making him the third-fastest coach in SEC history to get to 100 victories. Steve Spurrier was the quickest to 100, needing only 120 games at Florida to do so. Robert Neyland from Tennessee was the second-fastest to 100 wins in SEC history, doing it in 121 contests. The following is a look at the SEC coaches who have won 100 games as a head coach at an SEC institution and the number of games it took them to reach the milestone:Coach School No. of Games Needed to Reach 100 Wins Steve Spurrier Florida/South Carolina 120Robert Neyland Tennessee 121Les Miles LSU 126Phil Fulmer Tennessee 128 Nick Saban LSU/Alabama 128Frank Thomas Alabama 131Dan McGugin Vanderbilt 132Johnny Vaught Ole Miss 135Mark Richt Georgia 136Mike Donahue Auburn/LSU 140Bear Bryant Kentucky/Alabama 141Shug Jordan Auburn 141Charles McClendon LSU 141

Travin Dural: LSU's Explosive PlaymakerSophomore wide receiver Travin Dural has shown in the 2014 season that he is one of the most explosive players in the country. Dural has caught 37 passes for 758 yards and seven touchdowns this season for an average of 20.5 yards per reception, a figure that ranks sixth nationally.Of his 44 career catches, 35 have resulted in either a first down or touchdown, including 28-of-37 catches in 2014.He currently ranks fifth in the SEC with seven touchdown receptions.Dural is sixth in the league in receiving yards (758) and ninth in the SEC with 63.2 receiving yards per game.Dural is tied for first nationally with one reception of 90-plus yards, tied for first with two receptions of 80-plus yards, tied for sixth with two receptions of 70-plus yards and tied for 16th nationally with six receptions of 40-plus yards.His 94-yard touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage for LSU against Sam Houston State on Sept. 6 is a school record, breaking the previous long pass of 82 yards by Steve Ensminger to Carlos Carson in 1978 versus Georgia. The 94-yard TD pass tied LSU's longest offensive play from scrimmage as well as it matched a 94-yard rushing touchdown by Sal Nicolo at Rice on Oct. 4, 1952 and a 94-yard run by Jesse Fatheree at Georgia on Nov. 16, 1935. His 80-yard TD reception against Wisconsin in the opener ranks as the fourth-longest passing play in LSU history. He is only the second LSU player in history to score a touchdown on his first three receptions in a game. Dural caught three balls for three TDs against Sam Houston State. Carlos Carson had five catches for five TDs against Rice in 1977. Against Wisconsin, Dural became the first Tiger to go over 100 receiving yards in his first career start since Dwayne Bowe hauled in five catches for 103 yards and one touchdown in his first start against Oregon State on Sept. 4, 2004.He is the first LSU receiver to record at least three 100-yard receiving games in the first four games of a season since Michael Clayton in 2003.

Colby Delahoussaye Ranks Second in LSU Career FG PercentagePlacekicker Colby Delahoussaye is ranked second in LSU history for career field goal percentage. He has booted 24-of-29 field goals for a .828 percentage. He is 11-of-15 in field goal attempts in 2014, including the game-winning 50-yard attempt at Florida. It is the first game-winning field goal for LSU since Drew Alleman kicked one in overtime against Alabama in the “Game of the Century” in 2011. Last year as a freshman, Delahoussaye shattered the LSU record for most consecutive field goals to start a career by converting his first nine attempts. The previous record was seven straight by David Browndyke in 1986.

Delahoussaye Adds Game-Winning Field Goal to Impressive RésuméColby Delahoussaye booted a 50-yard field goal to win the game at Florida on Oct. 11. Not only did his field goal with three seconds left on the clock give the Tigers a 30-27 triumph, it was also a career-long kick for the sophomore. Here is a look at LSU's game-winning field goals since 1941. Note: for this purpose a field goal is classified as a “game winner” if it served as the last points of a game and if it came within the final two minutes of the contest or in overtime:Date Placekicker Game-winning FG Result10/11/2014 Colby Delahoussaye 50-yarder with 0:03 left in 4th quarter at Florida W, 30-27 11/5/2011 Drew Alleman 25-yarder in OT at #2 Alabama W, 9-6 OT11/28/2009 Josh Jasper 36-yarder in OT vs. Arkansas W, 33-30 OT11/18/2006 Colt David 26-yarder in OT vs. Ole Miss W, 23-20 OT10/22/2005 Chris Jackson 30-yarder in OT vs. #16 Auburn W, 20-17 OT9/11/1993 Andre' Lafleur 26-yarder with 0:10 left in 4th quarter at Mississippi State W, 18-1611/5/1988 David Browndyke 34-yarder with 0:28 left in 4th quarter at #18 Alabama W, 19-189/20/1980 David Johnston 17-yarder with 0:35 left in 4th quarter vs. Colorado W, 23-2010/25/1941 Bernie Lipkis 22-yarder with 0:04 left in 4th Qtr vs. Florida W, 10-7

Anthony Jennings Orchestrates Three Fourth-Quarter Comebacks in 2014; Has Four In His CareerSophomore quarterback Anthony Jennings is 9-3 as a starter at LSU, and four of his wins have been the result of a fourth-quarter comeback. In 2013, Jennings led LSU to a comeback victory against Arkansas in the regular season finale. Making only his second career start to open the 2014 season, Jennings calmly led LSU to a 28-24 victory after facing an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to Wisconsin. He also guided the Tigers to a 30-27 win at The Swamp against Florida, and he most recently drove LSU 95 yards midway through the fourth quarter to give LSU a 10-7 win against Ole Miss. Since 2000, Jennings is the only LSU quarterback to lead the Tigers on two game-winning fourth-quarter drives covering 90 or more yards (99 vs. Arkansas in 2013, 95 vs. Ole Miss in 2014).

Terrence Magee Pulled Off a Rarity Against Kentucky: Led LSU in Rushing AND Receiving YardsTerrence Magee became only the third LSU player since 1990 to lead the Tigers in both rushing and receiving yards in the same game when he ran for 127 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries and finished with 44 receiving yards on three catches to lead LSU against Kentucky on Oct. 18. The only other players to lead LSU in rushing and receiving yards in the same game were Joseph Addai against Alabama in 2004 and Harvey Williams against Alabama in 1990. Magee added 49 return yards on the opening kickoff against the Wildcats to finish with a career-best 220 all-purpose yards. Magee led the team in receiving again with two catches for 45 yards against Ole Miss.Player Rush Yds (No.) Rec. Yds (No.) Date Opponent ResultTerrence Magee 127 (9) 44 (3) 10/18/2014 Kentucky W, 41-3Joseph Addai 99 (12) 46 (3) 11/13/2004 Alabama W, 26-10Harvey Williams 54 (16) 34 (2) 11/10/1990 at Alabama L, 24-3

Danielle Hunter Records Most Tackles By An LSU D-Lineman In A Game Since 1996Junior defensive end Danielle Hunter had a career night at Auburn on Oct. 4. Hunter shattered his career high with 12 tackles, including seven solo, with 0.5 tackles for a loss. It was the first time an LSU defensive lineman recorded double-digit tackles in a game since Glenn Dorsey had 11 (3 solo) vs. Ole Miss on Nov. 18, 2006. Hunter's seven solo tackles are the most by an LSU d-lineman in a game since Marcus Spears had eight at Arkansas on Nov. 26, 2004. Hunter's 12 total tackles are the most by an LSU defensive lineman since Chuck Wiley had 12 (11 solo) against Tulane on Nov. 23, 1996. The last time an LSU defensive lineman had more than 12 tackles in a game was Wiley when he produced 20 (14 solo) at Kentucky on Oct. 14, 1995. Hunter ranks fourth on the team with 64 tackles, and he leads LSU and ranks 10th in the SEC with 12.0 tackles for a loss this season. Here is a list of defensive linemen with double-digit tackles under Les Miles (since 2005):Player Tackles (solo) Opponent Date ResultDanielle Hunter 12 (7) at #5 Auburn Oct. 4, 2014 L, 41-7Glenn Dorsey 11 (3) Ole Miss Nov. 18, 2006 W, 23-20 OTKyle Williams 11 (5) at #4 Alabama Nov. 12, 2005 W, 16-13 OTClaude Wroten 10 (6) at Mississippi State Oct. 1, 2005 W, 37-7

LSU Defense: The SEC's No. 1 Ranked Team In Total DefenseLSU finished the regular season as the SEC's top-ranked team in total defense. The Tigers give up 305.8 yards per contest to rank No. 1 in the league and No. 8 nationally. In addition, LSU has only allowed an average of 162.3 yards per game through the air, a figure that ranks second in the Southeastern Conference and fourth nationally. The Tigers rank first nationally in pass defense efficiency with a rating of 98.7, and LSU has the lowest pass completion percentage by opposing team's in the SEC. The Tigers have only allowed 50.4 percent of passes (181-of-359) to be completed this season.LSU is fourth in the league in fumble recoveries with 10.LSU is third in the SEC and 15th nationally in third down defense. Opponents have converted only 33.3 percent of third downs (60-of-180).The Tigers are second in the SEC and third nationally in scoring defense at 16.4 points per game.LSU ranks 18th nationally in three-and-out defense. The Tigers average 4.67 defensive three-and-outs per game with 56 three-and-outs forced on 155 drives (36.1 percent).LSU held Kentucky to three points. It's the fewest points the Tigers have surrendered to an SEC opponent since Nov. 19, 2011 when LSU beat Ole Miss 52-3.LSU limited Ole Miss to its fewest passing yards (176), total yards (313) and points (7) of the season.The Tigers held Arkansas to its lowest total offense of the season with 264 yards.LSU's shutouts against Sam Houston St. and ULM give the Tigers 258 all-time (including 8 ties) and 8 under Les Miles.LSU did not allow ULM to gain a first down by rushing. That's the first time the Tigers have accomplished the feat since Sept. 14, 2002 vs. Miami (Ohio).LSU only allowed six first downs by ULM, the lowest total since allowing six against Northwestern State on Sept. 10, 2011. The last time an LSU defense allowed less than six was Sept. 12, 1997 when Arkansas State only had five. LSU's seven sacks against Sam Houston State are the most in a game since Nov. 3, 2007 at Alabama when the Tigers recorded seven. The last time LSU had more than seven in a game was Nov. 19, 1994 when LSU had nine vs. Tulane.In the opener, LSU held Wisconsin to 8-for-24 passing for 50 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. It is the first time LSU allowed 50 or fewer passing yards since Nov. 19, 2011 when the Tigers limited Ole Miss to 47 passing yards, and it ranks as the second-fewest total allowed since Sept. 11, 1999 when North Texas only had 10 yards passing.LSU only allowed 2.1 yards per pass attempt (50 yards on 24 attempts) against the Badgers, and that figure ranks as the lowest allowed during the Les Miles era at LSU and third lowest by the Tigers dating back to 1992.Here are the three games with the lowest yards per pass attempt allowed since 1992:Yds/Pass Attempt Avg. Passing Comp.-Att., Yds. Opponent0.6 3-16, 10 yards vs. North Texas on Sept. 11, 19992.0 8-26, 53 yards vs. Louisiana-Lafayette on Oct. 5, 20022.1 8-24, 50 yards vs. Wisconsin on Aug. 30, 2014

Shutdown Defense Against ULM: Warhawks' Longest Play from Scrimmage Was 12 YardsULM's longest play from scrimmage against the LSU defense on Sept. 13 was a pass for a gain of 12 yards. That is the shortest “long pass” play by an LSU opponent since Nov. 27, 1993 when Arkansas' longest completion was 10 yards. It is also the first time that LSU did not allow a play from scrimmage of more than 12 yards since Nov. 13, 1971 when Mississippi State's longest play was a 12-yard pass. ULM's longest rush was a gain of six yards, the “shortest long” rush against LSU since the Tigers held Tulane to a long run of five yards on Nov. 20, 1976.

LSU Records Back-to-Back Shutouts for First Time Since 1985After beating Sam Houston State 56-0 and ULM 31-0, it marked the first time LSU has shut out opponents in back-to-back games since 1985 when the Tigers defeated Kentucky 10-0 on Oct. 19 and beat Ole Miss 14-0 on Nov. 2. Starting early in the third quarter against Wisconsin, LSU had a scoreless streak that amounted to 147 minutes and 24 seconds of game action, the longest such streak since 1962-63 when LSU held opponents scoreless for 169:00 of action starting at 4:30 in the first quarter against Tulane on Nov. 24, 1962 and lasting until 0:30 left in the fourth quarter against Texas A&M on Sept. 21, 1963. LSU's scoreless streak this season was the most in the same season since 1962 when the LSU defense held opponents scoreless for 195:24 that spanned the first quarter of the game against Miami on Oct. 13 and lasted through the second quarter of the Ole Miss game on Nov. 3.LSU's back-to-back shutouts were the first since...LSU recorded two straight shutouts at home since 1941 when the Tigers tied Mississippi State 0-0 on Oct. 11 and beat Rice 27-0 on Oct. 18. LSU had back-to-back shutouts in the same venue since the 1958 season in Tulane Stadium when the Tigers defeated Tulane 62-0 on Nov. 22 and beat Clemson 7-0 in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1959.LSU earned wins in two straight shutouts in Tiger Stadium: Nov. 30, 1940 in a 14-0 win versus Tulane and Sept. 20, 1941 in a 25-0 victory against Louisiana Tech.LSU posted back-to-back shutout wins at Tiger Stadium in the same season since 1940: Oct. 19 vs. Mercer (40-0) and Oct. 26 vs. Vanderbilt (7-0).

LSU Has FBS' Best Record When Trailing in the Fourth Quarter Since 2005Since head coach Les Miles' first season at LSU in 2005, no team has a better record in games when trailing in the fourth quarter. Here is a look at the teams with the best record when trailing in the fourth quarter since 2005:Team W-L Record Win Pct.LSU 24-24 .500Texas 18-35 .340Florida State 19-37 .339Clemson 17-39 .304

La'el Collins Wins Prestigious SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy As League's Best Offensive Lineman; Named Second-Team All-AmericaLSU senior left tackle La'el Collins became the sixth Tiger in school history to win the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the Southeastern Conference's most outstanding blocker. Collins was selected as the winner by a vote of the league's head coaches. He joins OT Ciron Black in 2009, OG Alan Faneca in 1997, OT Robert Dugas in 1978, FB/HB J.W. Brodnax in 1958 and QB/FB Bill May in 1936 as LSU players to win the distinguished award. Collins also earned Second-Team All-America honors from the AP, USA Today and Sports Illustrated. He leads all LSU linemen this season in offensive snaps played at 792 and knockdown blocks with 84.5 through 12 games. Collins' 84.5 knockdowns are the most in a season by an LSU offensive lineman since 2011 when Will Blackwell tallied 112.5 in 14 games in his All-American season. Collins enters the bowl game coming off one of his best performances. Against Texas A&M, he registered a career-high 13.5 knockdowns while paving the way for a season-best 384 rushing yards, the most rushing yards in an SEC game for LSU since 1997 versus Kentucky.

La'el Collins Wins Charles McClendon Award LSU's MVPLSU senior left tackle La'el Collins was named the recipient of the Charles McClendon Award as LSU's most valuable player at the annual LSU Football Banquet. Collins is the first offensive lineman to win the award since its inception in 1995. Collins, who returned to LSU for his senior season, earned first-team All-SEC honors this year as well as being a second-team All-America selection by USA Today. Collins led all LSU offensive linemen in both snaps (792) and knockdowns (84.5).

Four Tigers Earn Honors in 2014LSU freshman QB Brandon Harris, freshman RB Leonard Fournette, junior OG Vadal Alexander and sophomore LB Kendell Beckwith have earned SEC weekly honors this season. Harris accounted for five total TDs, including three TD passes, against New Mexico State. Fournette ran for 140 yards and two TDs while Alexander recorded 11 knockdown blocks at Florida. Fournette earned freshman honors again when he rushed for 113 yards and tallied 211 total all-purpose yards versus Ole Miss, while Beckwith received defensive player of the week honors for leading LSU with a career-high 11 tackles to limit Ole Miss to a season-low 313 yards and seven points. Fournette earned the honor for the third time this season when he rushed for a season-high 146 yards and one touchdown at Texas A&M.2014 LSU Football HonorsGame Player HonorNew Mexico State Brandon Harris SEC Freshman of the Week Florida Leonard Fournette SEC Freshman of the Week Florida Vadal Alexander SEC Offensive Lineman of the WeekOle Miss Leonard Fournette Athlon National Freshman of the Week; SEC Freshman of the WeekOle Miss Kendell Beckwith SEC Defensive Player of the WeekTexas A&M Leonard Fournette SEC Freshman of the Week

Three Tigers Listed On Coaches All-SEC TeamsLSU senior left tackle La'el Collins, junior OG Vadal Alexander and junior punter Jamie Keehn were named All-SEC by the league head coaches. Collins earned first team honors, while Alexander and Keehn were listed as second team members.

Three Earn All-SEC Freshman Team DistinctionLSU S Jamal Adams, WR Malachi Dupre and RB Leonard Fournette claimed spots on the All-SEC Freshman Team as voted on by the league's coaches. Adams collected 56 tackles which is sixth on LSU's defense, and he started two of the final three games of the season. Dupre hauled in 14 receptions for 318 yards and five touchdowns. Fournette, a three-time SEC Freshman of the Week honoree, amassed a team-leading 891 rushing yards on 176 carries and eight rushing touchdowns.

Five Tigers Named Permanent Team Captains for 2014LSU senior LT La'el Collins, senior RB Terrence Magee, senior DE Jermauria Rasco, junior LB Kwon Alexander and junior P Jamie Keehn were selected as the 2014 season National L-Club permanent team captains. Collins and Magee were chosen for offense, Rasco and Alexander for defense and Keehn for special teams.

LSU Has Been Ranked in 126 of 131 Games Under MilesSince Les Miles took over at LSU, the Tigers have been represented in the AP and Amway Coaches' Poll 154 of the 161 weeks. The exception came during the final three polls of the 2008 season and four weeks this season. In addition, since the start of the 2002 season, LSU has played 161 of 168 games ranked in the top 25, including 126 of 131 games under Miles. LSU has a 98-26 record in games played as a Top 25 team under Miles. The only five games that LSU didn't play as a Top 25 team during the Miles era came in 2008 against Arkansas in the regular-season finale and Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and this season at Florida, vs. Kentucky and at Texas A&M. This year marked the 14th consecutive season that the Tigers were ranked in the preseason polls as LSU came in at No. 13 in both the Associated Press and the Amway Coaches Top 25 polls. LSU finished the 2013 season ranked No. 14 in the AP and Coaches polls. It was the fifth straight season the Tigers finished the year ranked. The following is a look at the longest streaks for teams appearing in the final AP Top 25:Consecutive Final AP Poll Appearances No. Team Last Year Out 7 Oregon 2006 6 Alabama 20075 LSU 2008

Tiger Stadium's New Look in 2014Ranked annually as the top venue in college football, Tiger Stadium is in its 91st year dating back to 1924 when the stadium was built. It's also the 84th year of Saturday night football in Death Valley. LSU has put together an impressive 62-9 home record under Les Miles, which includes a 31-0 mark against non-conference foes. With a new capacity of 102,321 starting in 2014, Tiger Stadium ranks sixth nationally in total capacity. LSU owns a 402-146-18 (.726) all-time record in Tiger Stadium. Here are some of the key additions in the Tiger Stadium South End zone expansion: 320,000 total square feet, 66 Premium suites, 3,000 Club Seats, Upper Concourse with 1,400 general public seats and space for standing room only patrons, Two 40' X 70' HD video screens (with two new ribbon boards).Construction officially began Sept. 10, 2012, and the contract completion date was Aug. 22, 2014.

LSU's Comeback Victory Against Wisconsin Ranks Fourth Among the School's Best Since 1949LSU rallied from 17 point down in the fourth quarter to beat Wisconsin, 28-24. That ranks as the fourth-largest deficit the Tigers have overcome since 1949. Here is a list of the top five comeback wins based on largest deficit:Date Opponent Largest Deficit Final Score11/15/08 Troy 28 (31-3 with 11:13 in 3rd Quarter) 40-3110/29/77 vs. Ole Miss (Jackson) 21 (21-0 with 7:00 in 2nd Quarter) 28-2109/07/96 Houston 20 (34-14 with 5:57 in 3rd Quarter) 35-3408/30/14 vs. #14 Wisconsin (Houston) 17 (24-7 with 12:24 in 3rd Quarter) 28-24 11/03/79 vs. Ole Miss (Jackson) 17 (17-0 with 10:48 in 2nd Quarter) 28-24

LSU Extends FBS Record for Consecutive Non-Conference Regular Season Wins to 49LSU increased its Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) record for consecutive non-conference regular season wins to 49 after the Tigers pummeled New Mexico State, 63-7, in Tiger Stadium on Sept. 27. The streak dates back to the 2002 season and now includes eight wins over ranked opponents after beating No. 14 Wisconsin in the 2014 season opener. The Tigers broke the FBS record for consecutive non-conference regular season wins in 2012, surpassing the mark of Kansas State who claimed 39 straight from 1993-2003. The Tigers haven't lost a non-conference regular season game since falling at Virginia Tech, 26-8, in the 2002 season opener in Blacksburg, Va., on Sept. 1. Les Miles has accounted for 39 of the 49 wins during the streak, and he is 39-0 all-time in non-conference regular season games in his tenure at LSU. Former coach Nick Saban accounted for the 10 other victories from 2002-04. Under Miles, the Tigers have outscored non-conference regular season opponents a combined 1,988-526. Here is a look at the top four in FBS all-time consecutive non-conference regular season wins: Team Years Win Streak 1. LSU 2002-present 492. Kansas State 1993-2003 39 3. Miami 1985-88 364. Wisconsin 2003-13 35

Les Miles' Achievements at LSUThe following is a quick look at Les Miles' notable accomplishments during his 10 years and 131 games (103-28 record) as head coach of the Tigers:After defeating Florida 30-27 on Oct. 11, Miles became only the second coach in LSU history to earn 100 victories. Charles McClendon tallied 137 in his tenure at LSU.Miles recorded 100 wins at LSU in only 126 games. It took McClendon 141 games to reach the historic milestone at LSU.In fact, Miles became the third-fastest coach in SEC history to reach 100 wins behind only Steve Spurrier (120 games) and Robert Neyland (121).With the win over Mississippi State in 2013, Miles became the quickest LSU coach to reach 90 victories doing so in 112 games. It took Charles McClendon 124 games to reach that milestone.Also the fastest coach in LSU history to 10 wins (11 games), 20 wins (24 games), 30 wins (35 games), 40 wins (48 games), 50 wins (63 games), 60 wins (76 games), 70 wins (87 games), and 80 wins (98 games) in school historyWith 10 or more wins seven times at LSU, Miles joined Bear Bryant (13 at Alabama), Steve Spurrier (9 at Florida), Philip Fulmer (9 at Tennessee), Mark Richt (8 at Georgia) and Vince Dooley (7 at Georgia) as the only coaches in SEC history to have seven or more 10-win seasons at the same school. Led LSU to only 12-0 and 13-0 records in school history in 2011...Led LSU to first 11-0 start since 1958 in 2011. Led LSU to 10-1 start three times in a 6-year span from 2005-10 (‘05, '07, '10)Only coach in LSU history to beat Auburn, Florida and Alabama in same season, and he's done it 3 times (2005, '07, ‘11)Only coach in LSU history to beat Florida and Tennessee in the reg. season during the same year; twice: 2010, '11. Became the first first-year coach in SEC history to lead team to league's title game (2005).Has 15 wins over coaches who have won national titles.Coached LSU to 10-plus wins in 4 straight seasons, a first at the school, and to seven overall (the most at the school).Only coach in LSU history to lead Tigers to three straight top five final rankings (2005, 2006, 2007).

LSU Is 45-2 In Non-Conference Games Under Les MilesLSU holds a 45-2 record in non-conference games in Les Miles' tenure. LSU's only two non-conference losses under Miles came against Penn State in the Capital One Bowl to end the 2009 season and to Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31, 2012. Of the 45 wins under Miles against non-conference opponents, 13 have come against Top 25 teams, 37 have come by double-digits and LSU has scored 40 or more points in 27 of the 45 games.

LSU's 54-9 Under Les Miles When Winning The Turnover Battle LSU is 54-9 under Les Miles when winning the turnover battle. Against ranked teams under Miles, LSU is 22-6 when having fewer turnovers than its opponent. LSU defeated No. 14 Wisconsin, 28-24, and forced two Badgers' turnovers while only committing one. The Tigers forced three turnovers at Florida while committing none in LSU's 30-27 win. The only nine losses for the Tigers under Miles when having fewer turnovers than their opponent have come against Mississippi State and Auburn in 2014, Alabama and Clemson in 2012, Arkansas in 2008, Arkansas and Kentucky in 2007, Auburn in 2006 and Tennessee in 2005. In Miles' tenure at LSU, the Tigers have a combined turnover margin of +67. LSU was +20 in 2011 and +16 in 2012. The Tigers are +4 in 2014.

LSU Is 57-0 Under Miles When Rushing For 100 Yards and Holding Opponents To Less Than 100 YardsOne look at LSU's results in relation to rushing the football and it's easy to figure out that head coach Les Miles is a former offensive lineman who understands the importance of running the football. In 131 games under Miles, LSU's success is easy to predict when it comes to net rushing yards. Get to 100 yards rushing and LSU will more than likely win as the Tigers are 98-11 under Miles when that happens. Hold the opponent to fewer than 100 yards and the Tigers are 58-5. An even more telling stat is that when LSU rushes for 100-plus yards and holds the opponents to fewer than 100 yards, the Tigers are 57-0. The following is a look at LSU's rushing numbers during the Miles era and have the Tigers have fared in those games:Year LSU 100+ LSU 100- Opp 100+ Opp 100- LSU 100+/Opp 100-2005 10-0 1-2 3-1 8-1 7-02006 10-0 1-2 5-0 6-2 6-02007 11-2 1-0 3-2 9-0 8-02008 8-3 0-2 2-5 6-0 6-02009 8-0 1-4 7-4 2-0 2-02010 11-2 0-0 7-1 5-0 5-02011 13-0 0-1 4-1 8-0 9-02012 9-1 1-2 4-2 6-1 6-02013 10-1 0-2 6-3 4-0 4-02014 8-2 0-2 4-3 4-1 4-0Totals 98-11 5-17 45-22 58-5 57-0

LSU is 46-4 Under Les Miles When A Running Back Reaches 100-YardsLSU is 46-4 under Les Miles when a running back reaches 100 yards in a game. Of the running backs who make up the 2014 roster, LSU has 12 career 100-yard games to its credit. Kenny Hilliard has four, Terrence Magee has four and Leonard Fournette has four. Hilliard ran for 110 yards in LSU's 28-24 victory over Wisconsin in the opener, and Fournette totaled 122 rushing yards against New Mexico State, 140 yards at Florida, 113 vs. Ole Miss and 146 at Texas A&M. Magee rushed for 127 yards versus Kentucky. LSU's only four losses under Miles when having a back reach the 100-yard mark came vs. Clemson in 2012 (Jeremy Hill, 124 yards), Alabama in 2012 (Hill, 107 yards); Georgia in 2008 (Charles Scott, 144 yards) and Arkansas in 2007 (Jacob Hester, 126 yards).

The Aussie Punting Connection Since the 2011 season, LSU has had the unique connection of having an Australian native punter. Brad Wing, a native of Melbourne, was a 2011 first-team All-American and served as the Tigers' punter in 2012 as well. Junior Jamie Keehn took over punting duties in 2013 and will retain the starting position this season. Keehn, a native of Queensland, is the second-oldest player on the LSU team after turning 25 on August 4. Only walk-on senior defensive back Luke Boyd is older at 27. Keehn did not play high school football and did not start punting until August 2011. Wing and Keehn did not know each other until both arrived at LSU.

Jamie Keehn Ranks Second in the SEC and Eighth Nationally in PuntingJunior Jamie Keehn, a Second-Team All-SEC selection this season, ranks second in the Southeastern Conference and eighth nationally in average yards per punt at 45.0. Keehn is fourth in the SEC in punts of 50-plus yards with 17, and only three of his punts have reached the endzone for a touchback. Keehn is fourth in the SEC with 25 of his 68 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

Brandon Harris Sets LSU True Freshman QB Record, Named SEC Freshman of the Week vs. NMSUTrue freshman quarterback Brandon Harris earned SEC Freshman of the Week recognition after coming off the bench to complete 11-of-14 passes for 178 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions against New Mexico State. He also rushed five times for 36 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for a total of five TDs in the game. Harris is the first true freshman QB in LSU history to complete three touchdown passes in a game. A week earlier, Harris completed 6-of-9 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns in the SEC opener versus Mississippi State, becoming the first LSU quarterback to throw two or more touchdown passes in the conference opener since 2008 when Jarrett Lee threw two TDs on 11-of-22 passing at Auburn. Harris is also the first true freshman LSU QB to throw two or more TD passes in his first game against an SEC opponent since Jamie Howard threw two at Auburn in 1992. In two games against Mississippi State and New Mexico State, Harris directed LSU to touchdowns on nine of his 10 possessions at quarterback.

Harris and Dupre Are the First True Freshmen QB-WR Duo to Start a Game In LSU HistoryQuarterback Brandon Harris and wide receiver Malachi Dupre started on Oct. 4 at Auburn, becoming the first true freshman quarterback-wide receiver combination to start a game for LSU in school history. Harris connected with Dupre for a 52-yard completion to set up LSU's lone touchdown in the Auburn contest. Harris made the first start of his career to become only the seventh true freshman since 1972 to start at quarterback for LSU.

Malachi Dupre Became First LSU True Freshman Receiver to Earn 120 Rec. Yards and 2 TDs in a Game True freshman wide receiver Malachi Dupre caught four passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns in the SEC opener versus Mississippi State. He became the first true freshman in LSU modern history to record at least 120 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in a single game. Dupre is the first true freshman receiver to make two touchdown receptions in a game since Rueben Randle had two on Nov. 21, 2009 at Ole Miss. Dupre is also the first LSU true freshman to record 100 receiving yards in a game since Nov. 10, 2007 when Terrence Toliver had 119 (on three receptions) versus Louisiana Tech. He is the first LSU true freshman receiver to go over 100 yards receiving in the SEC opener since Jerel Myers had 13 receptions for 153 yards against Auburn in 1999. Dupre is the first LSU player to catch two or more touchdown passes in the SEC opener since Josh Reed hauled in two TD receptions against Auburn in 2000. Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural also became the ninth duo in LSU history to finish with 100-plus receiving yards in the same game when Dural had 124 yards and Dupre had 120 versus Mississippi State. It was only the 13th time in LSU annals that two receivers each hauled in 100 receiving yards in the same game.Two 100-Yard LSU Receivers in the Same Game (13) Date Opponent WRs Result 9/20/14 vs. Mississippi State Travin Dural (124), Malachi Dupre (120) L, 29-349/28/13 at #9 Georgia Jarvis Landry (156), Odell Beckham Jr. (118) L, 41-44 8/31/13 vs. #20 TCU Odell Beckham Jr. (118), Jarvis Landry (109) W, 37-27 1/1/02 vs. #7 Illinois Josh Reed (239), Michael Clayton (120) W, 47-3411/3/01 at Alabama Josh Reed (293), Michael Clayton (126) W, 35-2110/13/01 at Kentucky Josh Reed (160), Michael Clayton (105) W, 29-25 10/21/00 vs. #13 Miss. State Josh Reed (113), Reggie Robinson (102) W, 45-38 9/2/00 vs. W. Carolina Josh Reed (137), Jerel Myers (117) W, 47-3411/13/99 vs. Houston Jerel Myers (114), Josh Reed (100) L, 7-209/23/95 vs. Rice Sheddrick Wilson (201), Eddie Kennison (113) W, 52-711/4/89 vs. Ole Miss Todd Kinchen (108), Eddie Fuller (102) W, 35-30 9/24/88 at #18 Ohio State Tony Moss (117), Alvin Lee (108) L, 33-3610/24/81 vs. #20 Florida State Orlando McDaniel (155), Malcolm Scott (112) L, 14-38

Fullback Melvin Jones Shines in First StartSophomore fullback Melvin Jones made the first start of his career at Florida on Oct. 11, and he made it a memorable one. Jones helped pave the way for LSU running backs to rack up 195 rushing yards against a Florida defense that entered the game ranked fourth in the SEC giving up 103 rushing yards per game. Jones also led all LSU receivers with four receptions. The last time an LSU fullback had at least four receptions in a game was when Tommy Banks hauled in seven receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns in the 2000 Peach Bowl against Georgia Tech.

Four LSU True Freshmen Score in the Same Game for the First Time in School HistoryWhen LSU beat Sam Houston State 56-0 on Sept. 6, something happened in the game that had previously never been accomplished in LSU history: Four true freshmen scored a touchdown in the same game. RB Leonard Fournette scored on a four-yard TD run in the first quarter, QB Brandon Harris scored on a 46-yard TD run in the second quarter, RB Darrel Williams scored on a one-yard TD run in the third quarter and WR Malachi Dupre hauled in an eight-yard TD pass from Harris in the fourth quarter. The previous high was three true freshmen against Rice on Sept. 25, 1982 when RB Dalton Hilliard, RB Gary James and TE Mitch Andrews scored touchdowns.

LSU Has Played 17 True Freshmen in 2014, Second-Most in the SECLSU has played a total of 17 true freshmen this season, a figure that ranks as the most in the 10 seasons under head coach Les Miles. The previous high for true freshmen in a season under Coach Miles was 15 in 2012. LSU's 17 currently ranks second this season among Southeastern Conference teams, only trailing Tennessee's 22 true freshmen. Texas A&M is third at 14 and Arkansas and Alabama are tied for fourth with 12 true freshmen.

No. 18 Tradition Passed Down to Terrence MageeA tradition established in 2003 continues as senior running back Terrence Magee was voted to wear the No. 18 jersey for the 2014 season. Magee was presented the jersey by coach Les Miles following a vote of the coaching staff and former LSU No. 18s during the Tigers' first team meeting of fall camp on Sunday, Aug. 3. Magee is LSU's leading returning rusher after running for 626 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. Jersey No. 18 was born when, in 2003, quarterback Matt Mauck guided LSU to its first national championship since 1958. His number became synonymous with success -- both on and off the field -- as well as a selfless attitude that has become the epitome of being an LSU football player. After his final year with the Tigers, Mauck passed the jersey number down to running back Jacob Hester, who then helped LSU to another national title in 2007. Here is a look at the jersey No. 18s: Years Player Position 2003 Matt Mauck QB 2004-07 Jacob Hester RB 2008-09 Richard Dickson TE 2010 Richard Murphy RB 2011 Brandon Taylor S 2012 Bennie Logan DT 2013 Lamin Barrow LB 2014 Terrence Magee RB

LSU: The SEC's Winningest Team Since 2005 LSU is the winningest program in the SEC since the start of Les Miles' tenure as head coach in 2005 as the Tigers have posted a 103-28 mark during that span. The 103 victories for LSU are 10 better than Florida and Georgia, while the Tigers are also tops in final poll rankings. LSU is also fourth nationally in wins since 2005 behind only Boise State (112), Ohio State (108) and Oregon (105).